Transport Minister, Chris Bishop says around 98% of potholes on state highways have been repaired within 24 hours of identification every month since the Government’s new road repairs targets were introduced in July last year.
“Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for our Government, and boosting pothole repairs and prevention will deliver a safe and efficient state highway network that will support this growth,” said Mr Bishop.
“One of the reasons this Government was elected was because people were fed up with the degradation of our roads under Labour. They could see it in their day-to-day lives, with record numbers of potholes peppering highways across the country. Our Government promised change to Kiwis and the freight sector, and we are delivering on that promise.”
The Government established a $3.9 billion Pothole Prevention Activity Class over three years, ringfenced for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works to ensure these funds are used entirely on preventing potholes. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is now delivering a significant programme of works, including a record increase in road rehabilitation, which involves rebuilding entire sections of road rather than just resealing, said Minister Bishop.
“The Government’s Pothole Prevention Fund is delivering a total of 285.6 lane kilometres of rehabilitation work over the summer months – a 124% increase compared to last year. This record level of rehabilitation work will help prevent potholes from forming in the first place,” he said.
“The previous government showed Kiwis that throwing more money at a problem is lazy, expensive, and ineffective. Funding must be paired with increased expectation and accountabilities, and that is what we’ve introduced to drive better results. Faster pothole repairs are improving the safety and maintenance standards on our roads.”
In July 2024, the Government introduced targets for NZTA contractors to repair 95% of potholes on main state highways and 85% of potholes on regional state highways within 24 hours of identification.
“The results speak for themselves. Since our targets were introduced, NZTA has delivered every month with greater use of new innovations to ensure that temporary pothole repairs last longer before a permanent reseal can take place, instead of simply placing cold mix in potholes,” Mr Bishop says.
“Achieving these targets month after month shows the significant progress we’ve made in tackling the pothole issue. Kiwis can now travel more safely and efficiently on our roads, with fewer disruptions and safety hazards.
“If you see a pothole on the state highway network, report it immediately by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS. Together, Kiwis are ensuring that potholes are identified and repaired as quickly as possible.”
The summer maintenance programme began in October 2024 and will be completed by March.
Month | Total Potholes Repaired | % Repaired Within 24 Hours |
Jul-24 | 7,114 | 95% |
Aug-24 | 6,303 | 98% |
Sep-24 | 5,030 | 98% |
Oct-24 | 4,809 | 98% |
Nov-24 | 3,200 | 99% |
Dec-24 | 1,697 | 98% |